10-Nov to 16-Nov 2013

Sun 10-Nov

First frost of the year forecast for tonight, so this afternoon took all the tender plants into the greenhouse for the rest of the autumn and winter... two small fig trees, about twenty fig cuttings, two abutilons, various other exotic plants as well as geraniums and fuchsias etc etc. Yet again got no time to weed the square ready for pebbling.

Mon 11-Nov

Lunch at The Dolphin.


Tue 12-Nov

The birthday present from Beth arrived today... I'm now Lord John McKinnie of Chaol Ghleann, part of Dunans Castle. Would help if I could pronounce my title!


Wed 13-Nov

Here's the latest sally into print in the local rag. Asked them to publish under 'name & address supplied', so the printing of my name and address got me into hot water at home. Wonder if the original letter writer will respond.


Thu 14-Nov

First visit to the allotment for ten days, the intention being to give the grass a last cut. Such a nice day we completed the last act of transfer from the back plot... three vines, each of a different variety, were moved to provide a screen in front of the greenhouse / polytunnel area. The varieties are nearest Rondo, middle Dornfelder and furthest Pinot Noir.


Fri 15-Nov

That's a record... twelve doves in the back garden at lunch time! They must be auditioning for The Twelve Days of Christmas.


Sat 16-Nov

The usual unsatisfactory experience at Huntingdon Garden & Leisure this morning... loud pop music and the Christmas ice rink was much smaller than last year with even louder music blaring away. Stopped to ponder the gravel for garden redesign stage 2. Probably go for alpine grit, but will definitely not buy from here... expensive as well as loud.